Call me a hopeless romantic — and believe me, I've been called worse — but among the many things I love about baseball is the fact there's always another game to be played. Unlike football and every other sport, you can't celebrate wins or agonize over losses for days, because you've got to immediately shift your focus to the next day's game. Or, as the case may be, the next day's TWO games.

That's right. Last night's debacle of an 11-10 loss is ancient history, because we've got a day-night doubleheader to be played. Edwin Jackson will face Ben Sheets in the 1:05 p.m. opener. John Lannan then makes his 2012 big-league debut against Randall Delgado in the 7:05 p.m. nightcap.

Your morning injury updates: Jesus Flores' stiff back is fine and he'll be behind the plate for the opener. Ian Desmond's oblique is good enough that manager Davey Johnson may let his shortstop play both games. Everyone in the bullpen is officially available, Davey says, though he'd prefer to stay away from Craig Stammen (who threw four innings on Thursday) and Michael Gonzalez (who threw 30 pitches last night).

Plenty of baseball on tap today, which means plenty of updates right here, so please check back often…

My $0.02: The next three games will tell us how far the Nats are going to go this year. If they don't put a major beat-down on the Braves, don't look for them to go far in the playoffs (assuming they get there). Good teams don't let you up once they have their foot on your throat. They need to come out angry and looking to put a major hurt on someone; if they do, we'll know they're for real. Otherwise…

These four games are an important part of the pennant race, and pennant race baseball is different from regular season baseball. The main difference: playing under stress (and managing under stress). In this environment, successful teams have their foots on the throat of their competitors and they don't let up. That did not happen last night.I posed the question during the last edition of Beltway Baseball if this team had the wherewithal to withstand the stresses and strains of pennant race and playoff baseball. Still an open question, but the first step towards answering that question was not good.

Candide, I disagree. The only thing the next three games will tell us is where we are in the standings after the three games. Even if we drop out of first place, I fully expect us to take it back. I think we will be in first when the regular season ends.

My 2 centsAs long as the Nats win 2 of the next 3–which seems imminently do-able given who ATL is putting on the mound–they'll be exactly as many games ahead as they were on Thursday, and all this sturm-und-drang will be for naught.

Frediemac, Ejax was hired for this exact situation. His job, and he knows it, is to give the team good innings. Lannan has every incentive to focus and pitch well (either to get traded or to be part of the picture in September). I'm less worried about the pitching than the catching and the D.

I completely disagree that this is our season. I thought we hit bottom after the Dodgers sweep, after the Miami sweep, after the Yankees, Orioles week. We rebounded nicely. We have absolutely fallen in love with being in first place. The last two years the world series winners were not anywhere close to that at this point, or even later, and the division leaders at this point mostly failed epically. This team has given new meaning to " don't get too high or too low" – they have broken that rule. Try to get used to the idea that there is a lot of ball to be played, this game is streaky and we can reach the playoffs even if we happen to fall out of first place, even for an extended period of time.The sky isn't falling. If this was September 21st, maybe, but not July 21st.

"A surprise member of the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Nady hit .157 with three homers and six RBI in 40 big-league games this season."Mike Camaron, Rick A. Mark DeRosa, Roger B. and Chad Tracy….the worst off season bench ever?Nats are luck that Lombo and Moore worked out….Rizzo's plan sure did not.

Johnson who had the worst day managing I have ever seen. Both Rizzo and Johnson have done good and bad this year. Both could have done better if they were not so dam arrogant and stubborn. That game last night was winnable in 100 different ways…..BUT all of them hinged on Johnson changing his mind…and that was not going to happen so a two game swing and a fried Bull Pen is the cost. Very Very High cost for last July in a pennant race for the first time in club history…..Completely avoidable.

Still some good stuff going on, especially if the pitching can pull it back together. Some felt that Morse's power was gone – not. Danny is hitting, Desi is back, Zim still hitting. We have lost the last two games in weird fashion, but we have also scored 15 runs.

NatsLady said… Frediemac, Ejax was hired for this exact situation. His job, and he knows it, is to give the team good innings. Lannan has every incentive to focus and pitch well (either to get traded or to be part of the picture in September). I'm less worried about the pitching than the catching and the D. ————————————remember Nats Lady JESUS SAVES! Flores playing both games today LOL

If the Nationals wind up going into a deep slump, then this game, in the post-season version of the story, will look like the start of it. If they don't, then this will be a tough lesson and a tough Braves team, but a bump in the road. If they lose a bunch of games in August and/or September, then *that* will cost them the division, not this game. There is no more narrative thread to this game than there is to flipping coins.

Credit for putting this team together goes directly to this blog. Clearly, we include the only group who knows anything. "It's a shame everybody who *really* knows how to run the country is too busy driving cabs and cutting hair."

Only somebody like Peric is even still debating the wisdom of that deal. Jeesh.Yep, Sunshine still sitting here wishing NOT that Rizzo not have made the deal … you read too much into my comment dude! Rizzo did not want to trade Milone. He offered them Lannan. He offered other pitchers. But Beane wouldn't pull the trigger without Milone. I really do wish Rizzo could have convinced Beane to take someone else other than Tommy Milone who did a tremendous job in our system!So sue me for wanting to keep one of the best true pitchers the Nats had.

I have always marveled that, at any one time, the 30 dumbest people in the world are the 30 managers of the major league baseball teams. I say this because it is obvious to everyone that anyone else would not make the stupid, boneheaded moves that the managers do. Every single internet poster and fan in the stands knows better! I've realized that the 31-60th dumbest people on the planet are clearly the general managers of the 30 major league teams.I guess the only reason that the team has come so far under Rizzo's guidance, and the only reason that Davey has one of the best managerial records in baseball history, is that the people they are directly competing with are … also some of the dumbest people in the world.Honestly, people.

remember Nats Lady JESUS SAVES! Flores playing both games today LOLDon't listen to Natslady and her defense. Adam Dunn was okay but boy was she all over a guy who hit 30+ home runs last year for his fielding at first base and he really wasn't that bad. Sometimes I think Natslady would be happier if we were losing with Riggleman's smart ball small brain brand of baseball.

As for catcher; give Sandy Leon a chance. The guy is the best defensive catcher in the system but he is still a young catcher. The Nats system prides itself on having young, hustling prospects that grow into players.THEY HAVE GROWING PAINS!! My gawd Natslady et al would only be happy with Pudge the automatic GIDP behind the plate and 20 games behind the Phillies in the standings.

Love Johnson….he is the single biggest reason this team is where it is. That does not mean he can not be better and should not still be responsible for dumb moves. He knows he was being stupid and countless ways….just ask him now. The whole section I was in was talking about how stupid and pig headed he was being. Braves fans were amazed at the gift he was giving them….walk after walk…..passed ball after past ball

Braves fans were amazed at the gift he was giving them….walk after walk…..passed ball after past ballAgain, Davey had a substantial lead. So, he started bringing in the backups to give them some reps and that included Storen and Leon. Lots of managers including LaRussa do that JayB. The difference is this is Atlanta. I am willing to bet Davey will never do that again against the Braves even if the Nats are up 14 to zippy.

Davey did what all good managers do – took responsibility for failure while handing out credit for success. By making it about him, he takes pressure off the players and lets them perform better. Davey didn't fail to execute in the crappy conditions – he didn't walk the hitters or fail to catch the pitches or throw the ball away on defense. Every move he made makes sense – if the players execute. They didn't. If he had the very moves that the hindsight captains are pining for, and those moves had failed, he would have been just as castigated – probably by the very same people that are giving him hell now. It's part of the job of baseball manager, so Davey knows the score.

This team is in 1st place despite Rizzo…not because of him.Leave it to an Orioles fan. No, Mike Rizzo and Roy Clark the asst. GM who built the god damned Braves know nothing about building a winning team?Wow Orioles fans have the real brains.

I think they're going to lose both ends of the doubleheader by a combined score of 1,450-0.I think the Lerners will sell the team to Bain Capital, which will offshore it to Mumbai, India.The free world will cease to exist as we know it, and there will be turmoil in the streets.OK, JayB, Mick, Peric, and all the other negative nannies out today. Match me.

Problem is Johnson's moves is he did not react to pull pitchers who clearly did not have anything. Johnson also risked too much for little value by messing around with a team right behind you. What value is Storen or Leon playing. What value is using up your top two BP arms with walk after walk?

OK, JayB, Mick, Peric, and all the other negative nannies out today. Match me.Uh Sunshine, last I looked I've been defending Davey's moves because they made sense to me. Uhmmm what part of that is negative? If anything you are the negative energy around here claiming that I was against the Gio trade? Yeah right dude.

I decided I'd rather yell for Long-ball LannEn (maybe one last time, for old times' sake) tonight, than stand in the rain today. Getting tickets might be an issue. We'll see.I don't think that's going to help Sofa. Lannan has allowed 4 homers in July and has a 7.46 ERA along with an 0-3 record in AAA? The Braves are licking their chops thinking about "long ball" Lannan. But instead of Lannan hitting one they are likely thinking about padding their own home run columns.

Ok – I managed to enjoy the first inning with no panic. 17 more to go. How did I miss the fact that Lombo has like a 13 game hit streak going? So – does anyone think that the ongoing catcher carousel is messing with the pitchers?

That depends on what one is trying to help. But thanks for not being negative.Sorry, but IMO that is why Davey made all of those strange moves. To do the Riggleman thing: yank Johnny before he gets too deep and throw Gorzelanny in there to bail him out since Stammen had to pitch 3+ on Thursday.

So – does anyone think that the ongoing catcher carousel is messing with the pitchers?Well, I suspect, and its just a suspicion mind you, that we'll be seeing Koyie HIll added to the roster soon. That guy knows how to handle pitchers and his a pretty decent glove defensively. He's made a huge difference in Syracuse helped turn the train around getting them back to the .500 mark. That has to have been noticed by management.

Oh my, what was Rizzo thinking with signing Ejax? He's terrible. Pull him now!!! The team is doomed!!! We should have signed anyone else, and if you disagree then you are stoopid and I am the genius!!Seems that is the appropriate in-game post these days.

peril, are you kidding??? I HATED Riggleman!! Didn't read the rest of your stuff. When you put my name and his in the same sentence I just roll right past.I think what I said was sometimes I WONDER if you would be happier? Not that you liked the guy? Choices the GM and manager have to make: Tyler Moore is likely worse when it comes to fielding than Michael Morse. Are you going to pile on him as well? He can barely manage in left-field as it is after just learning to be competent to first base! Morse can actually still play positions like third base and second. There are lots of players who are a lot worse in the outfield. BUT you want their bats … Morse is back to hitting .300 now all that is left is redevelop the power … Moore is on the same track. Be nice is one of the two was a left-hander. But the LaRoche might be gone because Zimmerman and his cortisone shot are about to pass him just as Desmond did.ALR should be batting sixth and Desmond fifth at this point. In fact if it weren't for the left-handed bat Moore should be playing there.

Peric,weren't you also praising Sandy Leon's defense when he first came up? If so, then your scouting report leaves a lot to be desired. Two passed balls last night, and just seems to be a poor blocker of the ball in general, but a terrible receiver in bunting situations.

Peric,weren't you also praising Sandy Leon's defense when he first came up? If so, then your scouting report leaves a lot to be desired.He was the best defensive catcher in the system until Rizzo signed veteran Koyie Hill. Now it would have to be Hill. But HIll's offense is pretty pathetic.

Peric,weren't you also praising Sandy Leon's defense when he first came up? If so, then your scouting report leaves a lot to be desired.He's a young catcher never played above AA and is now in the majors. He is going to have his hiccups just like Solano did.

About Tommy Milone – I just love the kid and I am so happy for him. He really landed in the right place, though. His slow, pitch to contact stuff is perfect for the huge park he pitches in. His team is not in the spotlight and there is not a huge expectation there. They are young and building. In a few years, if they continue to build their team,he will be their John Lannan. I loved seeing him take it to the yankees and I sincerely hope he becomes the next Maddux.

Milone has been awesome and is a big reason why the A's are only a .5 game back of a playoff spot. Last 41 IP he has given up just 5 ER and 3 walks with about 35 K's. For all of you who keep saying that Gio is a better pitcher…not so fast my friends!!!

Maybe they will ice Bryce's ankle down, do some exrays, which will hopefully be negative, and he will play the second game. Bernie is quite good in the outfield, he has been hitting while Bryce has not been. It's all good. Maybe Strassie and JZim will get those pinch hitter appearances today, though.

baseballswami, I don't care how "wide" the A's stadium is, as he shutout the Yankees on 6 hits and no walks. The A's outfield dimensions are no easier/harder than the average park as Cespedes and Gomes has shown.

peric said… Tommy Milone shut down the Yankees last night. 7 innings with NO walks and TEN Ks! ERA down to 3.34 He can't be that good because Natsjack and Sunshine Bobby think he is a AAAA player.Thanks, Peric, for the compliment. I'm honored to be mentioned anytime, anywhere on anything with NatsJack.

About Milone–It's not uncommon for OAK pitchers to have big home-away splits. Gio's ERA was a full pt better at home. But Milone's is crazy–0.91 at the Coliseum and 5.69 away. Both sides of that are out of whack–it remains to be seen where he ends up overall when they adjust.

Also, as to the ridiculous Mike C/NadyDeRosa = Rizzo bench fail trope, ever heard of a diversified portfolio? The minors guys were also part of that portfolio. And with DeRosa hurt initially and then DL'd, still too soon on that one to judge. And Shark and Tracy are part of the bench too.

The time for strange moves and teaching and stretching is over. Davey was good at that, and I understood what he was doing. Now it's time to win games. He's done that before, too.And the reason I don't favor Dunn and Morse on D is exactly the same reason I love Danny. I'm happy with ALR, and am counting the minutes until Werth gets back. I don't know if Moore can learn the outfield. Remains to be seen. Lombo certainly has–he's almost better there than 2B, although that might be because switching between the positions is not easy. Morse is pitiful in RF. I don't know if it's because he's old, slow, or injured, and I really don't care. If he gives you three runs with the bat and takes away two with his D (and his baserunning), and I'm a pitcher, I'd rather have Werth who might only give you one with the bat but won't take runs away. oooooh, lookit Bernie go! And Morse wipes it out with a doubleplay, just when Sheets is struggling. Grrrrrrr.

NatsLady, yes, the outfield needs a healthy Werth back to move Morse to LF. Lombo needs to work on his arm strength in the off-season which is one of the weakest in the NL. Lombo really has become a good utility guy which is where his value is.

Dunn was a human pylon in the field, so there's no clearly argument there with LaRoche at first. However, when Rizzo traded away Willingham, he reiterated the same message about the need to upgrade defensively. But with each passing day, Morse is looking more and more a DH in waiting. Is it a coincidence there are rumors circulating lately about him being swapped for one of the Upton brothers?

This team needs Lombo long term… like I have been saying, 2013 is the season we should judge where we are. Everyone healthy, the rookies will be in their 2nd season and hopefully the garbage that still lingers on this team is long gone

difference between Braves and Nats…. Braves best players are stepping up like they have done for the past 20 years, Nats so called best players and so called leaders are showing why they are part of teams that had back to back 100 loss seasons. Its that simple and until that changes, we will be stuck in the what if mode…

what really hurt last night was after Espi's home run, we had momemtum back, Kimbtrell was done, Gorzo gets the Braves out 1-2-3, the top of our order is up and the at bast were just so bad among guys you expect to step up against a reliever who gives up 4 runs per inning.today, we are suppose to hit Sheets and our guys are making him look like Denny McClain back in 1968!

Mick – Flores isn't a stiff – he is playing hurt. So it seems that we either get to choose pitching or hitting and not both in the same game. Hope Bryce can go in the second half. If not, I foresee Jordan pinch hitting tonight. Strassie will want to, but they won't let him.

oooooh, lookit Bernie go! And Morse wipes it out with a doubleplay, just when Sheets is struggling. Grrrrrrr.Meanwhile your hero ALR's batting average continue to drop and the strikeouts go up? I'll take Morse or Moore at first base honestly. And I can't wait until Jayson Werth at age 33 going on 34 starts up the GIDP act batting .234 act … I'll be here to remind you Natslady.

Just keep us in the game. You know, Mick – I was wondering how long it would take Brown to get here but apparently he is playing in Syracuse as we speak? Also wondering if they ex-rayed Bryce. Short bench and Flores is in some serious pain.

Thank you Edwin – one of our starters went 7, gave up only 1 run – the trend is hereby reversed. Now if our bullpen can reverse course, too, that would be nice. Keep it to one and maybe the offense can squeak out 2. More worried about the short bench, Harper and Flores hurting. At least it's a cool day today and the game does not appear to be extremely strenuous.

You know, I was just a young lad when the Senators left, and pined away for 34 years, paying deposits on season ticket plans in 92 and 97 as we tried to get teams here, and bought my first Nats hat from the trailer in RFK parking lot the weekend after they set up the store. I thought this blog was a great place for fans to cheer on their team. However, Mick and Peric have lifted the scales from my eyes. The Nationals suck. Rizzo is a disaster, most of the team are has beens or never were's, and the rest are merely filler. Break up this team, fire the front office. I wish they stayed in Montreal. Wow, I feel much better pointing out everything that is wrong. You guys are my new heroes. Please, do you have a newsletter to which I can subscribe?

Peric have lifted the scales from my eyes. The Nationals suck.Because I (and there are others) happen to prefer Tyler Moore, Michael Morse, and Tommy Milone to Adam LaRoche, Jayson Werth, and John Lannan does not mean I think they suck.Last I looked Mr. Moose and Señor Greenjeans if he is there I predicted this team would win the division because of their bullpen when "Mr. Negatives" such as Mark Zuckerman picked them to finish behind the Marlins. Sheesh!I like the players I like and they usually pan out bearing out my opinions. I still pick this team to win the division. But don't depend on Lannan, Werth and LaRcohe to key that. Its going to be the young players and YES NATSLADY it WILL be Michael Morse along with Zim.

Oh boy, besides being a fun guy to watch, why is this Henry Rodriguez on this team? Again, besides Velo and an occassional sparkling appearance, this guy is just not made for this team. Nothing new, I've said it a few dozen times before. I know the answer, Rizzo doesn't want to give him away for nothing. No teams will offer much more than a AA guy or some AAAA has-been.

You guys (and ladies) are right about BadHenry:Cut him.He's a goner once Werth is activated.Have you been watching Clippard and Burnett lately? And Michael Gonzalez allowing those inherited runners to score?Not yet Sunshine, Not yet.

So, Mattheus is your hot guy do you now make him the closer? Something I have been espousing they try NOW FOR MONTHS! Meanwhile, put Henry back on the DL and keep trying to rebuild his confidence in the minors with rehab assignments.

Yes, we have – but so much less this year. It's easy to fall into the loser mentality as a fan, too and just expect this to be the beginning of the end. Ryan Mattheus can stay, by the way. Lots of offense today, but instead of clutch hits, some epic fails.

Eh – flat game pretty much on both sides. I may do some Charlie and Dave for the next game with the tv on mute. For some reason Bob Carpenter is on my last nerve today. The Braves, blah, blah, blah, the Braves, blah , blah, blah. EJax and Mattheus ok today. Offense hit and miss.

Ok – so I spoke too soon. McCatty must be losing his mind these days.And he tends to be a pretty blunt and salty guy. Too bad he is not miked. May have to load him up with bourbon and maalox. Lots of Braves fans in the park today?

If there are any Hrod fans still, I have a bridge in New York I would like to sell you, lolSaid the same thing about Clippard at the start of 2010. And then Burnett last year? They just aren't hitting on all cylinders right now. It happens. Just have to hope they weather it … I believe they will.

m20832 said…So looks like I'm a doom and gloom fan. But our boys are going to get swept. I just feel it.your not doom and gloom, you are realistic. there are still over rated players on this team who instead of stepping up, they wimper like little puppies… 2013, I guarantee the remaining garbage on this roster will be long goneI bet anyone this club will not even finish 2nd in the East and in fact will not win 85 games

like I said… the circus is back in DC, enjoy the last 2 1/2 months of the season as it will end mercifully Sept 30. At least we will be able to watch the prospects in Sept that will be part of a winning club in 2013. I have another prediction… we will be eliminated earlier than we were in 2005 and what makes that bad is that there is an extra playoff team now..

Garbage on this roster that should have been gone THIS year…no need to waste a year cleaning it up. This was, is and always will be my problem with Rizzo….HRODRick AMark DeRosaRoger BChin Ming WNadyTracyGonzolezGorzoover 30% of this roster is wasted dead space that Rizzo is too proud to admit he was wrong about…..and yes I understand that Rick and Nady just got cut……..THIS WEEK….Too little too late.

IF Flores is hurt shut him down, this is ridiculous he has been a rally killer since the all star game.if the bullpen is tired I don't get it. Didn't we just have the all star break, and except for Thursday the starter has gone 6, so I don'tbuy that at all. Clippard has been pathetic since the all star break, what did he do on break? I suggest never doing it again.Yesterday Stras was good for 5, then pathetic, the bullpen was all pathetic. Today Ejax was great Hrod pathetic, Matheus a split edcision, but since he allowed 2 to score in the 8th will call it pathetic. (could have been worse).Hitter yesterday through 5 great, the last 16 innings pathetic. Way to many called 3rd strikes.Here comes the savior John Lannan will pitch great tonight.

@008-2010 I got used to losing and I hated it, 2012 I got used to winning and liked it. Hoover now hate losing more than ever. I always get the feeling that we hate losing more than the players. Seems it should be the opposite logically, but isn't.

So, JayB…..when the Yankees pick up Rick Ankiel, what does that say about Cashmen and his roster building ability?I truly do not understand your thought process. Every team has 4 or 5 or 10 guys they'd like to upgrade. And that includes Rizzo. It just isn't that easy.